Swain Mountain Experimental Forest

Introduction

The Swain Mountain Experimental Forest was formally designated on March 22, 1932, as a place for field studies and demonstration of forest management practices in the true-fir types of California. Chosen specifically for the quality and extent of the fir timber present, the 2492-hectare Experimental Forest occupies all of Swain Mountain, a volcanic cone composed of vesicular andesite and ash. Stand volume can be high, up to 2058 cubic meters per hectare on one 1.6- hectare block, although the virgin stands more commonly contain 840-1120 cubic meters per hectare.

The Experimental Forest largely sat idle for about 20 years until, in the early 1950's, preparation for an active program of regeneration research began with forest type mapping and construction of the initial road system. Initial research was to determine factors related to wind damage in the old-growth stands and to develop criteria for selection of white fir seed trees. Seed dispersal was measured for both red fir (Abies magnifica A. Murr.) and white fir (Abies concolor var. lowiana [Gord.] Lemm.). Relationships between natural regeneration and site factors such as soil temperature and moisture, insolation intensity, site preparation and competing vegetation were explored. Snow surveys were taken for nearly 15 years in the clearcut and unlogged stands. Cone production in uncut stands and along clearcut strips was followed for 16 years.

The second round of heavy research cutting in the early 1970's centered again on natural regeneration and the impact of shelterwood density and clearcut size and shape. During the 1960's and 1970's, studies of impacts of dwarf mistletoe and fertilization began as did studies of growth and yield of mixed fir stands. Lont-term studies of response of severely suppressed true fir to release from overstrory competition were installed. The information gained from this work constitutes the basis for true fir management in California.

The third period of heavy cutting is to extend the shelterwood research results to operationally large areas and create extensive acreage of fir regenration for future research. To these ends about one third of the Forest was harvested (shelterwood cutting) over a three year period beginning in 1970. These stands have regenerated early results were published by Gordon (1979).

The Forest can be reached via County Road A-21, a paved road that is kept clear of snow all winter. Neither the approximately 1.6 kilometers of all-weather road between the highway and the Forest, not the extensive road network on the Forest are kept open during winter. Access between approximately mid-December and early May is limited to snowmobile, skis, or similar transportation. All of the current 41.8 kilometers of all-weather road is accessible by automobile, except when limited by snow. All parts of the forest are easily reachable by short walk, over gentle terrain.

Climate

The climate at Swain Mountain can be classified as cool and moist even though there is a 4- to 5-month summer dry spell. Precipitation averages from 1243 to 1270 millimeters per year, almost all of which falls between October and March. Eighty percent of the moisture falls as snow, and snowpacks of 3 to 4 meters are common in February. In exceptionally wet years with late spring snows, drifts can persist until late July. Between April ( or May) and October, precipitation is negligible and from scattered thunder showers. Winter temperatures generally do not fall below -23° C and summer temperatures only occasionally exceed 29° C. Average monthly minimum and maximum air temperatures range between -17° and 4° C for January and between 4° and 27° C for July.

Soils

Most of the soils are between 1 and 3 m deep over basalt. Typic Argixerolls with mesic soil temperature regimes predominate at lower elevations. Andic Argixerolls with frigid soil temperature regimes predominate at higher elevations.

Vegetation

The forest cover types on the Experimental Forest include large areas of Red Fir (SAF 207), White Fir (SAF 211), and small areas of Lodgepole Pine (SAF 218) cover types (Eyre 1980). White fir predominates at the low to mid elevations (1737 to 1890 m) with the proportion of red fir increasing with increasing elevation to the top at 2149 meters. Together, the true fir occupy 1821 hectares. Lodgepole pine (pinus contorta Dougl. ex Laud.) grows throughout the forest associated with meadows, but forms pure stands only on the lowest elevations and in areas of shallow soils or high water tables. There are 178 hectares in lodegepole pine. Approximately 445 hectares on the south slope of the mountain are occupied by an old brushfield that has been planted to ponderosa pine and Jeffrey pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex. Laws and Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf).

Long-Term Data Bases

A true-fir levels-of-growing-stock installation at Swain Mountain has been maintained since 1976, with remeasurements taking place every 5 years.

Research, Past and Present

In addition to the current research on true-fir growth and yield, research has been conducted on natural regeneration, pathology, site preparation, and effects of insects on cone crops.

Collaborators

Collaborators include the Almanor Ranger District, Lassen National Forest.

Research Opportunities

Swain Mountain provides a place to study the true-fir type common at higher elevations in the northern Sierra and southern Cascades. Many acres of shelterwood provide opportunities to study the dynamics of young stands of white and red firs.

Facilities

The Swain Mountain is located 13 km north of Westwood, California. It can be reached via a paved road that is cleared of snow all winter. Access between mid- December and early May is limited to snowmobile, skis, or similar transportation. All of the current 41.8 km of all-weather road are accessible by automobile when free of snow.

The USDA Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station maintains barracks and office space for up to 15 people at the nearby Bogard Work Center on the Eagle Lake Ranger District (about a 25 minute drive from the forest). These facilities are primarily for the work at Swain Mountain Experimental Forest but are available for work at Swain Mountain also.